Steve Howell from his just-concluded Colima tour in west Mexico

Warm sunny weather, colorful birds (with some 38 Mexican endemics), great food, friendly people, and amazing scenery made for a wonderful trip. A few highlights: While Chestnut-sided Shrike-Vireo looks boldly marked in the book, it can be almost cryptic amid oak foliage (below). Other notables included the handsome Black-chested Sparrow; migrant flocks of Elegant Terns; and the tiny, endearing Colima Pygmy-Owl (all below). As well as birds, the puffing Volcán de Fuego (below) was always good for photos, too.

Chestnut-sided Shrike-Vireo

Black-chested Sparrow

Elegant Terns

Colima Pygmy-Owl

Volcán de Fuego